Dr Awosika is the Former Chairman of Access Bank Plc. Prior to this appointment, she was Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministries of Internal Affairs, Science & Technology and Power at different periods. She retired meritoriously from the civil service in 2012. She is an accomplished administrator with over three decades experience in public sector governance. She currently serves as the chairman of the board of Chams Plc and Josephine Consulting Limited.

She is an evidence-based administrator, pharmacist, and bureaucrat. She hails from Delta state in Nigeria. A former Chief Executive of the National Programme on Immunization. Dr. Awosika is highly regarded as the HERO’ of Polio Eradication in Nigeria In recognition of her outstanding services to the nation she was conferred a national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).

She is a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacy. Fellow, National Institute of Directors; Member, Great Britain Clinical Pharmacists Forum. She is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). She holds a Doctorate degree in Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom.

Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga former chairman of Access Bank Plc, is the Principal Consultant/Programme Director of The KRC Limited. She served on the Board of Asset and Resource Management Company and previously chaired the Equipment and Leasing Association of Nigeria. She has over 20 years of diverse experience in the financial industry and her wealth spans across Risk Management, Corporate and Commercial Banking, Investment Banking, Transaction Services and Settlement

A leader per excellence and an accomplished professional, she halls from ljebu-Ode, a town in Ogun State. Her life holds attention, mostly because of her unparalleled exploits in the finance sector and her steady rise on the corporate ladder in an industry dominated by men. She is an alumni of the Harvard Business School, Kellogg School of Management, Columbia Business School all in the United States, as well as International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland and INSEAD in France.

She is a member of some local professional bodies: Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. She graduated from University of Ibadan with a BSc Economics.

Tokini Peterside-Schwebig is a Nigerian entrepreneur and business woman. She created ART X Lagos, the first international art fair in West Africa. She is dedicated to defining a new narrative about Africa through culture. After working extensively with brands in fashion and luxury, including the LVMH Group, she founded ART X, the cultural management company behind platforms such as ART X Lagos -the leading international art fair in West Africa and now a cornerstone of the African art sector, ART X Live! which has acted as a catalyst for the local art scene since 2016, a dynamic accelerator for rising musicians and artists; and the ART X Prize – Nigeria’s foremost art award. The fair held its sixth edition this year, both physically and online, with galleries from the continent and abroad.

A keen art collector and patron. She also currently serves on the boards of organisations such as Yinka Shonibare’s GAS Foundation and EMOWAA (the Edo Museum of West African Art) among others. She was named to the 40 Under 40 in Africa by Apollo in 2020, the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company in 2019, and the Quartz Africa Innovators list of the continent’s Top 30 pioneers in 2018.

Her work has been featured in the Financial Times, CNN, the New York Times, Le Monde and Vogue, among others. She holds a First-Class honours degree in Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science and an MBA from INSEAD, she lives between Lagos and Paris. Tokini hails from Rivers State.

Dr Kenneth Ken-Worgu is the chairman and founder of Nortonel Group of Companies. He is an Independent Non-Executive Director of Access Investors Service Nominees Ltd. Prior to this appointment, He has served as the Head of Operations at Oil and Industrial Services Limited, where he oversaw the new build of two offshores DLB barges and three support AHT vessels in China, developed a healthy opportunity backlog and improved customer satisfaction ratings.

He has over 20 years of comprehensive experience in the Oil and Gas sector with massive and enviable exposure in operations, sales and marketing. A leader per excellence with brilliant interpersonal relation skills. He hails from River State, Nigeria.

He has a passion for commerce, business and commercial activities in Africa. Dr Kenneth holds a Doctorate Degree in Petroleum Engineer from Texas A&M University, Master Degree in Management, a Graduate Certificate in Business, Harvard University, an M.sc in Petroleum and Mining engineering. The Pennsylvania State University, a Bachelor in science in Mechanical Engineer, Drexel University. He is a member of several professional engineering societies including the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Olumide Soyombo is the founder of LeadPath, a seed capital investment fund dedicated to local tech startups, he focuses on powering revolutionary innovations and ideas in Africa by bridging the gap between the start-up stage and market dominance through funding and structure support. He is also a Co-Founder at Bluechip Technologies where he leads strategy, implementation and projects as he works to build the company into a tech industry leader.

His close to 2 decades of multi-sectoral experience building and managing businesses while investing in both high impact projects and startups. His work is an offshoot of his understanding of the astronomical ecosystem impact inherent in strategic partnerships between tech innovators, technological entrepreneurship and private capital. A leading voice and valuable player in the African Technology and Startup space, he hails from Ogun state, Nigeria and sits on board of organizations. He holds a master degree in Business and information Technology from Aston Business school, England, a Bachelor degree in System Engineering from University of Lagos, Nigeria. As a result of his high scholastic achievement, he is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma society. Olumide is an angel investor and investor educator who believes in the potentials of African technological innovation. He has invested in many of the leading tech startups in Nigeria including Paystack (exited), Piggyvest, Power cube, PushCV, Mono, Trove and over 20 others. He continues to pursue excellence and strategic impact even as he inspires same in others and this can be clearly seen with the launch of Voltron Capital, a Pan-African VC firm.

Uche Wigwe is the Managing partner of Wigwe and Partners, a firm established with a mandate to deliver top-notch legal advocacy and advisory services with international best practices and standards. Prior to the establishment of this firm, he co-founded a law practice; Akanbi & Wigwe Legal Practitioners, whose services attracted an impressive local and international clientele.

A well-seasoned professional with an eclectic mix of local and international experience garnered over twenty (20) years. His wealth spans across Corporate & Commercial Law, Commercial Litigation, Business Formation, Insolvency Practice, Construction Contracts, Conveyances and Corporate Finance/Private Equity.

A brilliant tactician and ethical advisor, he hails from River state, Nigeria. He serves as an active member of the board of directors of Coronation Capital Limited, Trium network Limited and Eko Development Company Limited. He holds a Master degree in Petroleum law and Policy from University of Dundee, Scotland, Legum Baccalaureus (LL.B.) from University of Ibadan and B.sc Banking and Finance, University of Port Harcourt (Nigeria). A dedicated legal practitioner and industry player, He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the International Bar Association (IBA) and the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN)

Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi is a distinguished and forward-thinking leader in Computer Science and Engineering. His extensive qualifications include a BSc, MSc, and PhD from Loughborough University, one of the top 10 universities in the UK, and he holds prestigious accreditations such as CEng, CITP, FIET, FBCS, FIAP.

With a robust academic background, Professor Al-Akaidi has consistently revitalized institutions, transforming them into dynamic centers of education and research. His illustrious career spans key roles and significant contributions across several renowned institutions.

At De Montfort University (DMU), UK, as Head of the School of Engineering & Technology, Professor Al-Akaidi led the establishment of the Media Studio and the Creative Technology programs in partnership with the BBC. This initiative positioned DMU at the forefront of media production technology education and research, integrating industry expertise with advanced academic curricula. His visionary leadership transformed these programs into benchmarks for innovation in media technology, significantly enhancing DMU’s reputation and influence in the field.

At the Arab Open University (AOU), as Vice President of Academic Affairs, he expanded academic programs across multiple branches, all fully accredited and validated by the Open University (OU) UK. He launched two international journals, contributing to the institution’s global academic discourse. His strategic initiatives at AOU resulted in the widespread implementation of academic programs, which are recognized for their quality and relevance across the MENA region.
At the American University in the Emirates (AUE), Dubai, serving as Vice President for Research and Dean of the College of Computer & Information Technology, Professor Al-Akaidi founded the Blockchain Centre in collaboration with Dubai Blockchain. This groundbreaking initiative as a pioneer in blockchain education. He also organized and chaired two international conferences and numerous international webinars, further solidifying AUE’s status as a leader in emerging technologies.

Moreover, Professor Al-Akaidi has fostered strategic partnerships with leading universities and global corporations such as Rolls Royce, BT, France Telecom, Toyota, and Nokia. These collaborations have enriched academic offerings and provided invaluable industry insights and opportunities for both students and faculty.

His dedication to global collaboration is demonstrated through the successful establishment more than 50 international partnerships and the creation of new university brands and centers across various regions. These efforts have extended the reach and impact of the institutions he has served, reinforcing their roles as influential players in the global academic community.

Beyond his administrative roles, Professor Al-Akaidi is celebrated for his commitment to student mentorship and leadership development. At AOU, he significantly boosted student retention through the Student Retention Enhancement Project. His mentorship philosophy emphasizes nurturing curiosity and empowering students for success beyond the classroom. Additionally, he pioneered Blended, Online, and e-Learning in the MENA region and introduced MOOCs in the middle east.

His innovative teaching methods integrate emerging technologies, interactive tools, and real-world applications, promoting critical thinking and adaptability. His global impact is reflected in his editorial and chair roles at over 40 international conferences, keynote invitations at more than 50 global events, and the supervision of 45 MPhil/PhD students and more than 100 MSc students, who have excelled worldwide. With over 300 publications in reputable international journals and conferences, he has made significant scholarly contributions. He is a QAA (UK) auditor and a member of accreditation panels for IET & BCS, among others. Recently, he was appointed General Director for the Middle East & Turkey for the RUR Universities Ranking, and he is a co-founder of Eurosis and General Chair of the MESM conferences.

Wigwe University is thrilled to welcome him as a transformative leader. With his profound knowledge and vast experience, Professor Al-Akaidi is poised to inspire our students, guiding them on a life-changing journey from academic scholars to fearless leaders of tomorrow.

Seasoned Legal Luminary and Business Leader His extensive experience in legal practice and

business leadership, brings a unique perspective to our university’s governance. His expertise in corporate governance and regulatory compliance will ensure that our institution operates ethically and transparently. Additionally, Gbenga’s strategic insights into business operations will support our university’s financial sustainability and growth initiatives. He was also a Pro-chancellor of a private university and brings valuable insight from to Wigwe University.

Dapo Olagunju, joins WU Governing Council with rich experience in global finance and social impact initiatives. As the Head of West Africa at JP Morgan Chase and a co-founder of 234Give.com, Dapo brings invaluable expertise in financial management and social entrepreneurship. His strategic vision and innovative thinking will play a crucial role in guiding our university’s financial planning and investment strategies. Additionally, Dapo’s commitment to social impact will ensure that our institution remains deeply rooted in its mission to serve society.

Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam brings invaluable

expertise in law, governance, and public administration. Her distinguished career as the first female Attorney-General of Rivers State and the pioneering Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA) positions her as a strategic asset in shaping the university’s direction and policies.

With a Master of Laws (LLM) from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, her academic credentials underscore her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning, enriching the intellectual discourse within the university community.

Director in the Office of the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Mr. Mairafi is a public administrator and higher education management expert. Mr. Mairafi ‘s organizational development and change management expertise, as well as insights into university education

regulation in Nigeria, promise an era of excellence at Wigwe University. This will further support our university’s efforts to adapt to evolving trends in higher education and position us as a leader in academic innovation and student success.

Drawing from his extensive background in finance and banking, Mr. Emman Chisor-Wabali offers invaluable expertise in financial management and investment strategies to our university. Mr. Wabali is an experienced Economist with extensive Banking (Commercial and

Development Banking) and professional experience in the public and private sector. His career has been marked by integrity, credibility, and passion for progress to governance efforts. A Start-Up Consultant Compliance and Process expert, he has extensive work experience

following his involvement with the Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement, Rivers State Economic Advisory Council, Technical Committee on the Review and Reform of Nigerian Deposit Insurance and as Corporation NDIC 2007-2008 Controller Investment Appraisal Department, Industrial Development Bank of India Mumbai. Added to all these, Mr. Wabali will be one of two members of the Host Community on the Council.